No buses for Picton’s New Year’s Eve party due to cruise ship schedule clash

Exciting Celebration Faces Transport Challenges

Picton is preparing for its annual New Year’s Eve celebration on the beautiful waterfront as the New Year approaches. This popular event attracts about 6,000 people each year, offering live music, fun activities, and a stunning fireworks show at midnight. However, this year’s festivities come with a challenge: no bus services will be available to transport partygoers from nearby Blenheim to Picton.

Let’s explore why transportation has become an issue and what you can expect at this year’s event.

Why Are There No Buses?

The reason for the lack of buses lies in a clash with cruise ship schedules. On December 31, two cruise ships, Silver Muse and Ovation of the Seas, will dock in Picton, followed by Norwegian Sun on January 1. These visits have taken up all the available buses in the area, making arranging transport for the New Year’s Eve event impossible.

Samantha Young, a regional events adviser for the Marlborough District Council, explained that event organizers, Pure Events Marlborough, had tried for months to secure bus services. However, scheduling issues and limited driver availability made it unworkable. A similar problem occurred last year when a driver shortage canceled bus services.

Interestingly, only a small percentage of attendees actually used the buses in previous years. Samantha mentioned that out of 6,000 to 7,000 attendees, just 160 people used the service. This suggests that most partygoers prefer to travel by car or other means, which may ease the impact of this year’s transport troubles.

Indian Register of Shipping hosts commemorative Golden Jubilee celebration event at Visakhapatnam

What to Expect at the Celebration

Despite transportation challenges, the Picton New Year’s Eve party will deliver a fantastic experience for everyone. Katrina Lange, director of Pure Events Marlborough, highlighted some exciting updates for this year’s event.

• Family Fun: An expanded children’s area will feature activities like face painting and a kids’ entertainer. The event will start at 7 PM, making it perfect for families to enjoy an early celebration together.
• Live Music: As the evening progresses, several talented bands will perform, keeping the energy high and the audience entertained.
• Midnight Fireworks: The night will end with a breathtaking fireworks display over the water, a tradition loved by all.

The event will be alcohol-free, but bars in Picton will be open for adults who wish to enjoy a drink. Organizers aim to create a family-friendly atmosphere and encourage people to celebrate responsibly.

A Community Event to Remember

The absence of buses may seem like a setback, but the Picton New Year’s Eve celebration remains a highlight of the region’s calendar. With generous support from sponsors like Ray White and Bluebridge, the event promises to be bigger and better this year.

If you’re planning to attend, consider carpooling with friends or arranging your own transport. The focus is on bringing families and the community together to welcome the New Year in a fun and festive way.

So, pack your party spirit and head to Picton’s waterfront for a night full of joy, music, and memories!